The freecycle network is composed of groups per town. There are many. See
http://www.freecycle.org/group/us for US and
http://www.freecycle.org/group/ca for Canada plus they might be in other places. You post an item you want to give away, and select a responder to come pick it up. You can set the item outside your house, so you do not see the responder, if you do not want to. This is a good way to remove the evidence of manic spending sprees when returning to the store is not an option. You can also check what is posted to see if you want something - for sure there would be craft supplies and what not, from time to time. This is a perfect opportunity to stock up on something unneeded because you WANT it and it is FREE. This consumes the manic energy, adds an element of fun similar to Ebay - the items are not always available and speed - you need to respond swiftly and sometimes eloquently to get a coveted item that many people would want, and, again, does not drain the resources. This can get totally manic, in the following ways that I experienced:
- I had a rush to get rid of stuff and once gifted a working vacuum cleaner, to the disdain of my then husband
- I once picked up elaborate window treatments knowing that, not being handy, I would not be able to install them myself, but I wanted them
- I at some point was "loose" talking to all these new people, ready to make acquaintances all too easily.
But all in all, I still think it is safer than thrift stores because thrift store shopping ads up (been there) and Freecycle is free.
I hope this helps someone.
Feb 19, 2012, 11:29 AM
This is an old thread. You probably should not post your reply to it, as the original poster is unlikely to see it.
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